Chapter 15 - "Graduation"
1. Do you think Ruth was right for backing out of her graduation? Explain your thoughts with details about Ruth and her experiences.
2. Because she did, what does this say about her with all that she has been through?
Chapter 16 - "Driving"
3. What does Mark say he learned from Chicken Man and how did he turn his life around?
4. What one thing kept him from completely turning his life around?
5. Explain the extent of Mark's mother's depression and its effect on him and his siblings. What was the only thing that helped her?
Chapter 17 - "Lost in Harlem"
6. As a young woman, what drew Ruth to Harlem?
7. Explain how dangerous it was for her there in every aspect.
8. How did Dennis save her?
Chapter 18 - "Lost in Delaware"
9. Who was "lost"? In what ways were they "found" or were they all "found"?
10. Explain changes the main characters made in their lives and behaviors during this chapter.
11. Why do you think Ruth oscillated on whether to move to Delaware or stay put?
Chapter 19 - "The Promise"
12. What did Ruth get from Dennis' friends and family that was lacking in her life? Explain in your own words and using quotations from the novel.
JOURNAL:
Chapters 17 and 18 are similar in title, just in a different place. What does this show about the experiences that Mark and Ruth had in their younger years? Describe the similarities and differences. Why do you think Ruth ultimately made the decision to move her family to Delaware?
Chapter 15 - "Graduation"
1. Do you think Ruth was right for backing out of her graduation? Explain your thoughts with details about Ruth and her experiences.
2. Because she did, what does this say about her with all that she has been through?
Chapter 16 - "Driving"
3. What does Mark say he learned from Chicken Man and how did he turn his life around?
4. What one thing kept him from completely turning his life around?
5. Explain the extent of Mark's mother's depression and its effect on him and his siblings. What was the only thing that helped her?
Chapter 17 - "Lost in Harlem"
6. As a young woman, what drew Ruth to Harlem?
7. Explain how dangerous it was for her there in every aspect.
8. How did Dennis save her?
Chapter 18 - "Lost in Delaware"
9. Who was "lost"? In what ways were they "found" or were they all "found"?
10. Explain changes the main characters made in their lives and behaviors during this chapter.
11. Why do you think Ruth oscillated on whether to move to Delaware or stay put?
Chapter 19 - "The Promise"
12. What did Ruth get from Dennis' friends and family that was lacking in her life? Explain in your own words and using quotations from the novel.
JOURNAL:
Chapters 17 and 18 are similar in title, just in a different place. What does this show about the experiences that Mark and Ruth had in their younger years? Describe the similarities and differences. Why do you think Ruth ultimately made the decision to move her family to Delaware?
Due Thursday, April 22 at the beginning of class.